Which is the best model in Hyundai's small sedan range?

The Sweet Spot: 2017 Hyundai Elantra

Which is the best model in Hyundai's small sedan range?

The Sweet Spot: 2017 Hyundai Elantra

22 May 2017David McCowen

What is it?

The four-door sibling to Hyundai's popular i30. Unlike the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Ford Focus, Hyundai chooses to sell its small hatch and sedan as separate models, though they are essentially the same car underneath the skin.

How many models can I choose between?

There are three main trim lines, Active, Elite and SR Turbo.

Normally priced from $21,950 plus on-road costs (but on sale in May 2017 for $20,990 drive-away), the base Active model features a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 16-inch alloys, parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The $26,990 Elite shares its 112kW, 192Nm 2.0-litre engine with the Active, adding dual-zone climate control, an automatic transmission, smart keys and 17-inch alloy wheels as well as rear air vents and a two-tone interior option that looks much smarter than the entry-level car.

At the top of the tree sits the Elantra SR, which features a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 150kW of grunt, along with a body kit, more sophisticated sports suspension, well-bolstered seats with red stitching and a power sunroof.

What do they cost?

Active 2.0 manual: $21,950

Active 2.0 auto: $24,250

Elite 2.0 auto: $26,990

SR Turbo 1.6T manual: $28,990

SR Turbo 1.6T DCT auto: $31,290

(plus on-road and dealer costs)

Any options I need to know about?

An automatic transmission costs $2300 on the base Active, metallic paint is a $495 ask across the range, and red leather trim is a $295 option on the Elantra SR Turbo.

Is it expensive to own?

The Elantra uses a little more fuel than rival models such as the Mazda3, but it makes up for that with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Hyundai also offers capped price servicing on the Elantra, due every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres at an average price of $279 per year for the first five years.

Any issues I need to know about?

The standard Elantra has a well proven engine that shouldn't cause any major issues outside Hyundai's warranty period. Like many transmissions of its kind, the optional dual-clutch auto in the SR Turbo has a slightly patchy history – we'd think twice about owning just about any dual clutch automatic transmission without a factory guarantee – just ask grumpy Ford and Volkswagen owners.

Which is the most economical model?

That would be the standard Elantra Active with its 2.0-litre engine and manual transmission that uses 7.1L/100km.

Which is the safest model?

The Elantra has a five-star ANCAP safety rating thanks to its six airbags and basic electronic safety suite. A word of caution: the Elantra is not available with active driver aids such as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and active cruise control that are available on some rivals including Hyundai's own i30 hatch.

Which is the best model to drive?

That has to be the Elantra SR Turbo in six-speed manual form, which offers 150kW and 265Nm of punch along with well-honed suspension developed on Australian roads. It's one of the sportiest small Hyundai models yet, paving the way for the piping-hot i30 N due later this year.

Should I buy one now?

You could, as the Elantra is a relatively new model that arrived in this shape in the first half of 2016. Expect a mid-life update at some point in the future, one that may address the lack of active safety kit in Hyundai's small sedan. Alternatively, you could consider Hyundai's latest i30, which gets a more powerful engine, updated interior and better safety kit in mid to high-range models.

Where's the sweet spot?

Ordinarily we would say it is the Elite, which has useful features that aren't available in the base Active model. But right now it has to be the Active, which is a steal at $20,990 drive-away until May 31.